The script was created based on the stories and experiences of the cast itself, which structures the scenes as the driving force behind the construction of the film. “It has a very theatrical procedure, the rehearsal room, improvisation, dialogues that we create ourselves, as actresses, playwrights, screenwriters…”, adds Bramma Bremmer.
The film follows Aisha’s last day in Belo Horizonte, a farewell that takes place in the company of her best friends: Bramma, Igui and Will. Through everyday interactions between the characters, the film offers an affectionate portrait of the host family, where each character corresponds to a space of very unique experiences.
Paint, placement, makeup, and a very specific language, pajubá, serve as a backdrop to deal with themes such as community, HIV, affection and sexuality. Some dialogues were improvised on set, based on instructions from the direction and screenwriter Germano Melo. “How she will arrive at this issue is based on her improvisation. The script is not in the traditional model, but builds a dramatic structure where each character has their questions, their drama, their turning point”, says the director.
As a process film, Everything You Could Be combines perfectly well, and naturally deals with autobiographical themes, politics and history. “Narratives of HIV-positive people have always been very connected with death and sadness, but today anyone who takes treatment will become undetectable. It’s important to say this and bring a story to life”, reveals Bramma.
Another aspect is that the film portrays Belo Horizonte, as we have rarely seen in cinema, as a character. In an almost documentary tone, the photography, by Ciro Thielmann, features scenes recorded in different neighborhoods and regions of the city, such as Aglomerado da Serra, Bonfim, Centro, Lagoinha and Santa Tereza, constructing different images of this urban space.
The complicity of these characters in their shared moments reaffirms the concept that the family is the one we choose, the one that welcomes. It is the record of a time. And these are questions that the film raises, but in a very intimate tone, it also celebrates friendship and the freedom to express yourself and live as you want and can.
The Petrobras Vitrine Session, which is the Vitrine Filmes project in partnership with Petrobras, is making the distribution of this film possible. The Petrobras Showcase Session has a differentiated distribution, which allows Brazilian films to reach an audience that would not always have access to independent national production.
*Eduardo de Assumpção is a journalist and responsible for the blog cinematografiaqueer.blogspot.com
Instagram: @cinematografiaqueer
Twitter: @eduardoirib
By Ezatamentchy
Source: Maxima
I am an experienced author and journalist with a passion for lifestyle journalism. I currently work for Buna Times, one of the leading news websites in the world. I specialize in writing stories about health, wellness, fashion, beauty, interior design, and more. My articles have been featured on major publications such as The Guardian and The Huffington Post.